For His Name's Sake (Aaron Davis)
When Brother Matthew Corbitt contacted me about writing for the oneness bridge, I visited the site and read several of the articles posted and I must say that I am honored to be included in such an elite group of writers and ministers. I know most of you and I look up to each of your ministries and passions. The Oneness Bridge is packed with talent and anointing.
*If you have been to my personal blog, I apologize because you have probably read this post, but I am revisiting it this morning because I believe everyone should read this simple thought.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
There is something sobering when you think about the act of marriage, and more specifically, the act of changing your name. I have been married for a little over a year and a half now and it still makes me think from time to time; my wife loves me so much, and made such a strong commitment to me, that she changed her name to mine. Some of you are probably wondering, “Uh, Aaron it has been a year… Why is this still impacting you now?” It just is. It’s powerful. It’s overwhelming. And throughout time no matter what culture you look at, it has always been a big deal. In some cultures it is so important, that families will pick husbands for their daughters to make sure that they marry into a family of equal or greater social status.
Most of us have heard it preached that once we repent, are baptized in Jesus name, and receive the Holy Ghost we take on the name of Christ. We are then born into His Kingdom, and His family. However that isn’t the focal point of this post. I take you back to the top of this page, to Psalm 23. Possibly the most popular Psalm that most everyone can quote, revealed a hidden message to me awhile back. “…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Wow. And this whole time I’ve been thinking that I was just supposed to be a good boy because that’s just the way it is. Ok, I’m kidding. Of course I knew there was more to it than that, but I think sometimes we put so much emphasis on the way that we are supposed to live that we forget to explain why it is that we live this way. I walk in a path of righteousness because of the Name I carry with me! The denominational differences in standards or convictions may differ, but the name, and the reason, remains the same!
A young person asked me the question recently, “Is it a sin to listen to music that does not glorify God? To listen to music that cusses and says a wrong message.” I of couse gave my input on how we are to be in the world but not of the world and so on, but then this morning I revisited the question. What if I were to get in my car with a co-worker or acquaintance that was not a believer, and I had been witnessing to them, and when we got into the car and turned it on the first thing they heard was a message of sex, drugs, violence, etc… How would that make me, as a person supposedly carrying the name of Christ, look?
God came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He came to die for our sins so that through him we could have a way to live eternally with him. But we have to remember as we walk righteously through this life, that we are doing it for His name’s sake. A family name is of upmost importance in value. When a name gets a mark, it tends to stick. In your walk with Christ remember your purpose. Remember why you live the way you live. Remember why you live a life separated from the world. It’s not just because you are commanded to, but it is for His name’s sake.